【英美概况】【课堂笔记】美国科技Technology in America.doc

Technology in AmericaMcCormicks Revolutionary ReaperMaking Illinois the Hub of AgricultureThe McCormick reaper was a boon to wheat farmers; the first model could do the work of three men. As Cyrus McCormick perfected and improved the capabilities of the new implement, more land was put into production. Technology is the use of science and engineering to produce something that is effective and useful.America changed from an agricultural country in the early 19th century to the most advanced technological country in the late 20th century. This was a remarkable development. Why did technology develop so successfully in the United States of America?Early 19th centuryThere were many inventions during this period such as Eli Whitneys cotton gin and also his mass production process for guns. Whitney and many other inventors are very well-known by Americans. However, there were many other people, not so well known, who played a significant role in the development of the inventions into industries which were subsequently economically successful.Many of the original inventors had problems with their new inventions, and it often took many years, plus the efforts of many other people, to make the new invention work well. For instance the mechanical reaper (invented by McCormick) took 20 years of development and improvement to become genuinely effective in harvesting large areas of wheat.It is the consequences of these inventions that are most important for us to understand. The mechanical reaper worked best when it had to harvest large areas of wheat. Farmers began joining their farms together to make very big farms. As a result, America was soon producing very large quantities of wheat and other crops very efficiently. Because such large quantities of crops were being produced, America had to develop a better system of transportation. The answer was the railroad system. This system was able to move large quantities of crops, very efficiently. The development of the railroad required engineers and scientists to overcome many problems. The solution to the problems took many years to achieve and involved many people. Although many people know that James Watt invented the steam engine, fewer know the names of the engineers and scientists who developed it into a really useful and successful machine.Late 19th Century and Early 20th CenturyFrom the invention of a new device (such as the electric light bulb) to the practical use of the invention not only requires a lot of research and development but also requires highly effective manufacturing skills. America was at the forefront of developing the science of management. The science of management used critical analysis of the whole manufacturing process, so that products could be made in the most efficient way. This development was a major boost to the American economy which would rise to become the major economy in the world.The introduction of electrical devices revolutionised life for both citizens and business. Such things as electric lights, radio, electric motors, household appliances (washing machines etc) and computers changed society dramatically. For instance, until the introduction of the radio, the citizens of America previously could only read about the news and would rarely have the opportunity to see or hear the president or any famous person. With the advent of the radio, citizens could listen to their president on a regular basis; they could listen to famous film stars and sports heroes as well as hear poems, literature and other cultural activities. The ability to hear these people on radio dramatically affected the way that people perceived their politicians and other leaders. It greatly enhanced peoples ability to understand domestic and international affairs. It also opened up cultural appreciation to the whole population, not just the few who could afford to go to theatre. Mid 20th Century and Late 20th CenturyThe changes in household technologies, such as the refrigerator, washing machine and vacuum cleaner, led to a much easier lifestyle for the family, who then had more spare time to do other things. What did people do with their extra spare time? They did many things such as self development and study; some worked longer hours or drove their children to various activities (such as sport or music lessons) and played with their children. The advent of television into most homes had a profound effect on society. People watched television on a regular basis and not only were they entertained at home but they were informed by the news and public affairs programs. By the end of the 20th century however, many children were watching TV and/or playing on the computer for many hours each day. Some of these “couch potatoes” are now presenting serious health concerns for society.The computer developed from a huge device, used only for military purposes, to the small PC (personal computer) that we now use. The computer has revolutionized our lives. Apart from the impact of the Internet with its associated search engines (Google), email and other communication abilities, and access to knowledge, it is also a vital part of science and engineering, business and intercultural understanding. However, computers also have the ability to intrude into our lives through such things as data files which store much of our personal details, computer profiling and surveillance of our personal lives.The development of military rockets in the mid 20th century led to the exploration of space, the deployment of satellites and a deeper understanding of the beginning of the universe. Psychologically space exploration has made us think about ourselves and our planet quite differently. The world now sees itself more as place where everyone affects everyone else. We better understand global problems such as global warming, and also the need to do something about it. We better understand our human frailty and the forces which made us (and which could possibly destroy us). We can see any part of world at anytime (secrets are hard to keep). We are no longer as insular as we once were. We may one day have to leave this planet and find another place to live; the development of science and a better understanding of the universe could make that possible.ConclusionOver many decades the USA has developed the infrastructure for the continued development of ideas and products. What are some of the attributes that the USA has? A research-focused education system; a questioning society, passion, the willingness to “fail” and the willingness to extend research into areas which may have no obvious or immediate benefit. The USA has a very well developed education system, a stable government system, and places a strong emphasis on long-term planning and sustainability.The depth of knowledge and understanding has grown exponentially in the last few decades. This trend is likely to continue. Consider some of t